Day 3: Of flowers and crocs...

" Serve No Pork " - an unfamiliar sign as we could see it in most restaurants in KK, Sabah.

I made it! I could see it, with my own pair of eyes! I saw it! Getting up early was rewarding, no regrets. As soon as my alarm rang, i burst outside the lodge and rushed to the spot where i could clearly see it. I saw the Mount Kinabalu, and i am proud i did!

Me and the mount.

Our guide informed us that we could only see it in the morning as later in the afternoon, the clouds will blanket and cover the mount. What a wonderful, marvelous view of the mountain. I wished i could be closer though.

I Will Climb Mount Kinabalu- That's A Promise!

After enjoying the marvelous view of the mountain, we had our breakfast before checking out and later headed back down to KK city. The journey down was just as tiring and dreadful as the journey up to the Kinabalu Park. Luckily, we made several stops along the way to stretch our legs and rear.

Our guide drove us to the starting point of the hike up the mount. The view from there is fabulous. Someday, i will climb the mount.

After the short rest, we headed to a Rose Garden. It was similar to the one i visited in Cameron Highlands back then with my schoolmates- i will never forget the sweet memories. However, i would admit that this was not as good as it. Having said that though, the flowers here were lovely and rich in colour.

Me posing with one of the many flowers.

I like this shot! What say you?

And this too. Fresh and beautiful!

And this too! I am amazed and impressed that my handphone could actually take photographs this good. Credits should be given to the flowers, it is mostly their 'job' anyway.

Something unfortunate about the visit to KK was that we were unable to see the live rafflesia. Because of that, we could not stand the unpleasant odour from the rafflesia here.

Me busy snapping shots of flowers.

Eventhough it is known as the Rose Garden- because of it is a majority there, there Garden is divided into many other sections like the Orchid Garden and in the picture is the Cactus Garden.

It was relaxing to see the flowers, and i already slowly began to miss the Mount Kinabalu. It was nearly noon and the clouds had covered the mount from sight. We continued our journey down and rested again for lunch in a place near Tamparuli. According to our guide, it was actually known as 'Tempat lori' but when the word got around, mostly the Chinese, the name slowly evolved to Tamparuli. Lunch was good, and we later continued our tour to the suspended bridge in Tamparuli, made when there was a need to cross the river when the road is flooded.

Experiencing what the locals have experienced. It wasn't as heart-racing as on the canopy walk.

We were back down, no longer on highland very soon. The next stop was in Tuaran, where we visited the Crocodile Farm. It was all well, until something had spoiled the beauty of the place. There were many crocodiles in the farm and the set-up of the farm is interesting. We walked on bridges, over the crocodiles.

From the bridge, high up from danger.

They were large reptiles! Wow...

There was a place for the crocodiles born with defects. It was nice to see that they have a place to live too, just like humans do. This one here is born with a short tail.

This poor croc is born with a hunchback. There were crocodiles who are blind and one who is a bisexual.

After strolling around the farm, visiting more that just crocodiles- ostrich, lizards, fish, we went for the crocodile show. Sorry to say, the show did not impress me much. I had anticipated for a much better show and the crocodiles were not even cooperating much. In other words, it was a letdown. The photograph here shows the performer kissing the aggressive beast.

After the crocodile show, we shifted ourselves to the long house where the cultural dance show was to be played. The show started late and the place was steaming hot! When the performers appeared on stage, i was not blown away. If the crocodile show was average, the cultural show was not at all near average. It was boring. It was lethargic. We dreaded sitting in the long house and could not wait for the show to end. We still clapped for their effort though. The farm was worth a visit but the two performances definitely needed to buck up. There are still room for improvements and they better improve on it so that visitors will someday be impressed.

We reached KK city and checked into our hotel- Tang Dynasty Hotel. Dinner again was seafood. Most of us suffered from stomach upset and could not eat much. Me, as a seafood lover, took for granted and had lots and lots of crabs and fish maw.

What an interesting day it was? It was a wonder to see the mount, and a pleasure to soon climb it! wc08 is into the third day, and of flowers and crocodiles too.

Day 2: Forget the concrete jungle!

" Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints "

The Sun was up early. By 6 am, it was bright, as bright as it would be at 8 am in KL. We packed and cleared our apartment and headed for breakfast somewhere on the way. We waited long for the food, close to an hour. Again, it was some food related to fish but this was not as challenging to eat. It was noodles served with fish paste and it was OK.

We started our journey to the Kinabalu Park after breakfast. Kinabalu Park is in the UNESCO list, and i was excited and thrilled to visit the place. We hired a tour van, driven by experienced Murut Augustin. As he drove us, he explained to us many information about KK, the people and the places. The journey up the Kinabalu Park was rather winding, and he needed to rest the brake of the van once a while. We stopped by Nabalu.

A platform in Nabalu. If not for the clouds, we could see the Mount Kinabalu from here.

Me busy looking at the goods on sale in Nabalu.

After the short visit, we left the place and headed to the Kinabalu Park. We arrived not long after that and immediately checked into our lodge. The lodge was nice. It looked like a log cabin, with a fireplace. There was no air con or fan in the lodge, obviously, since it was cool in the afternoon and cold in the night. The place was similar to the Cameron Highlands, minus rapid developments and more trees.

Inside the two-storey lodge. We changed our clothes and left for the Poring Hot Springs, about 45 minutes from the Kinabalu Park. Of course, it was lunch first then the visit.

Welcoming us at the Poring Hot Springs.

On the way to the springs, we had to cross a river. It is clean and clear.

The Springs. There were many people when we arrived and we decided to hike and try on the canopy walk before immersing our tired feet in the hot, relaxing waters.

The source of the hot water, the sulphur rock.

We started our journey to the canopy walk.

There were many trees and squirrels along the walk. I was amazed as i looked towards the sky. The magic of nature. How often do we see this in KL?

It was tiring, but it was fun. Very near the canopy walk.

We reached the canopy walk and soon, it was time for us to cross the canopy walk feet of the ground. I can't wait for my turn, since it is the safest and easiest to walk with a maximum of 6 people at one go.

One step at a time. I stepped carefully one after another as it will sway or bounce if i did it too hard. It was high, i would say, and from above, i could see a better view of the jungle. It was rich in flora.

On the platform halfway through the canopy walk. The view from there is marvellous. After 4 stops, we successfully completed the canopy walk and continued our journey back down.

Family photo in the jungle. After the canopy walk, we rested our worn out feet in the hot waters. Not long after that, it became dark, about 6 pm and we left the place and head back to our lodge. Stomach's calling and we had dinner.

As we were eating, we were entertained with music. They were pretty good, and the dinner was all well.

We could see Mount Kinabalu at night, but i'm more eager to see it under the sunlight. I have seen the mountain in the books and posters and what i want now is to see it with my own eyes.

I WANT TO SEE THE MOUNT KINABALU

If not, it would be a waste coming to KK. wc08 was determined to see the mount and he will go all out just to see the mount with his own eyes. For him, the day has been fantastic and he will recommend anyone and everyone to visit the Poring Hot Springs and dare yourself to try the canopy walk. Day 2, escape from the concrete jungle and into the real one!

Day 1: Step on the other side of Malaysia

" I'm experiencing the 'land below the wind', across the ocean and into the clouds "

The timing was just perfect. The places were simply memorable. The weather was cooperating, and the food was definitely delicious. Seafood was abundant, no doubt, and the experience is one that i will never forget. Soon, very soon, i will be back there. Across the South China Sea, on the other side of Malaysia, lies a city, previously known as Jesselton, that has left an impact and has enriched my life with so much more wonders. Kota Kinabalu, here i come!

Early morning on the 11th December '08 was the start of the amazing vacation. I was up and about on time, ready. I was to fly across the sea by AirAsia and needed to be in LCCT, KLIA. I was looking forward to go to the airport being my first time flying with AirAsia. It pictured in my mind the airport was something as beautiful as the KLIA, the one i went. I wasn't blown away by the view, and neither did i disgust the terminal. It was simple, nothing spectacular and i waited not long before i boarded the airplane. My excitement for the city grew tremendously great on board.

Me, in the plane, looking out at the blanket of clouds.

Above the clouds.

Upon arrival at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport Terminal 2. Numerous islands are visible thousands of feet above the sea level. I was pleasantly surprised that the flight was on time, no delays. We left about 9.30 am and landed about 12 noon.

Arrived the airport, and it looked better than the LCCT. We were greeted by my uncle's friends in KK and prepared ourselves to our apartment. It was not far from the airport, and minutes later, we reached Marina Court Hotel Apartments. We were lucky to get an apartment facing the sea, overlooking the F2 boat race which was scheduled to begin the next day.

The scenic view from the balcony of the apartment.

We placed our luggage in the rooms and left immediately for lunch- AirAsia does not include food in the purchase of ticket, but food are sold on flight and we didn't buy any. Our stomachs were craving for food. The uncles brought us to a shop selling fish noodles and it looked presentable to be eaten. So, i ordered a bowl to myself and my hungry stomach. It was an adventure!

The bowl of noodles was served with not only fish flesh but with many other fish body parts. There were many slimy, jelly-like parts in the bowl and i dared myself to try each and every piece. I was never a fish lover, what more with these? Of course, what would be a vacation if not to eat like the locals do? I finished my share even with the struggle, and i am pleased and proud to say that i have eaten these in my life. That was more rewarding.

Being up early had resulted in wearing the group, except me. We returned back to the apartment to rest after lunch, but i was eager to venture the places near my apartment and ignored the rest. Evening came, and i went out to the Handicraft Market. It was small and difficult to walk. The items on sale and the shops were close to one another, making it hard to make my way through. All shops were selling similar goods but i still walked to the other end and back. We later entered the Warisan Square, which was easier to walk.

The concept of the square is great. It was pleasant to walk the area, and the decor fits the eye. Christmas is coming soon and there were lots of trees up for the celebration.

Dinner was at 8 pm. It turns dark early in KK. About 6, night began to roll in. We readied ourselves for dinner at a Chinese Restaurant. The food was scrumptious! Exotic seafood was ordered and i, again, tried each and every one of them. Am i a seafood lover? I would say 'yes' that i am, especially prawns. Leave a plate no less than 5 and i could eat them up. We had crabs, prawns, fish, two plates of some sea creatures with shells and vegetables. I admit i ate plenty- it was good and we can hardly find fresh seafood in KL. Also, it was reasonable. Something bad about the place was the water. Eating crabs using hands, since it's finger-licking good, i had to wash them later and the water smelled like drain water. Yuks!

Night drink at the Waterfront near our apartment. The full moon accompanied us the night and lit the sky bright. Not long under the moonlight, we headed back to our apartment and time for bed- for tomorrow was yet another great day to be.

Day 1 is just the start of an amazing adventure and wc08 has stepped foot on the other side of Malaysia, with so much wonders to be discovered!

Paddy plenty & museum...

" Nobody gets to live life backward. Look ahead, that is where your future lies. " - Ann Landers

Without wasting time, my family and i headed to Sg Petani immediately after i checked out from my uni, and what more is a 4-day 3-night trip. It was as usual- eating more than three meals a day, swim in the largest pool in Sg Petani, sleep non-stop and watch tv to the maximum. However, this trip, we made an effort to travel about half an hour further north to visit the Paddy Museum, located in Alor Setar.

There weren't many signboards to guide us to the museum and we got slightly off the track. Asking the folks around the area later, we successfully arrived at our destination and i was eager and excited to see the inside.

This is it- the Paddy Museum ( Muzium Padi in Bahasa M'sia ).

It looks intriguing from the outside, and i grew even more excited. It looks large, but it doesn't feel like it is as big as it is seen. We paid our fee and to my surprise, we had to pay an additional RM 2 for our camera- how people make money! I silently sneaked in my handphone, if not, it would be yet another charge of RM 2 as it is a camera-handphone.

As we entered, we were shown the way to the upper deck of the museum. It is like a revolving tower, the only difference is that we couldn't see the real scenery, but paintings on the wall- splendid ones of course.

The paintings are absolutely amazing and awesome! It looks real, as if we were seeing the scenery outside the museum. It is drawn by some 42 artists from Korea. Apart from the marvellous paintings, it was rather a letdown. There wasn't anyone in the revolving deck to explain to us what the paintings mean- according to the officer, the guide was on leave, so unfortunate. I suppose it showcases the life of a paddy planter.

In the midst of awe...

... we finally turned. We were later informed to move to the lowest deck that exhibits all the paddy planters' essentials.

Some of the many equipments a planter uses.

The various types of rice. Interesting...

My dad is trying to move the buffalo while i... i don't know what i'm doing at the back.

All in all, the museum was okay and it is worth a visit if you want to know more about paddy and topics related to it. After the museum, we headed back to Sg Petani and continued our makan-makan session. As usual, we ballooned our stomach with delicious food!

wc08 is ready for the holidays as there are so much more in store! He simply can't wait...

ps: I am grateful to be here. With the recent landslide disaster in Bukit Antarabangsa, i feel sorry for the residents who have lost their loved ones, house and things more than what the eyes can see. It was an unpredictable incident, and a saddening and traumatic one. I am grateful to be here.

Season 1, Episode 13: We watch, we sing, we eat... ( Part 3 )

" Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing " - Helen Keller

Screams of joy! I have completed my final examination for this semester and i am looking forward to the holidays- with so many plans in store, and Christmas. The final day of the exam was a complex mix of emotion. In the morning, I was in the exam hall facing the paper for 3 hours and 2 hours later, i was on my way with my friends to Ipoh for partying. I say, we were to watch, sing and eat!

There was time for me to do some light packing before going to Ipoh. About 3, the car we rented arrived and it was miserable. We got a manual Proton car, don't know how old it was- decades ago may be. The seats were in bad condition and everything else looked old. The car door locks were unpredictable- it was locked but we can still open it. The car required a unique form of starting, and there was a tiny little cockroach accompanying us all the way to Ipoh.

The five of us- four guys and a girl, went to Ipoh Parade. We rushed ourselves to GSC to catch a show that has already started. The much talk-about show was what we rushed for- 'Twilight'. We could still follow the show despite missing the beginning of it, which implies it is a rather easy movie to understand. And yes, I'm not 18 yet but i still managed to slip myself into the cinema.

The movie was less than perfect- it is definitely better than 'Covenant', but not as spectacular as 'Transformers' to me. The movie took quite some time in developing the plot, causing it to be slightly draggy in certain scenes. However, the lead actor and actress do have some on screen chemistry and they do look like a fantastic couple, be him a vampire and her an ordinary teenager girl. The make-up of the actor, Edward (Robert Pattinson) really made him look like a vampire- fair (more to white) skin, standing hair and mysterious eyes. Bella (Kristen Stewart) slowly discovers that he is a vampire and is not afraid to be near him, what more to be his girlfriend. The movie began to pick up speed and became out of this world great from the 'baseball' game until finish. As predicted, since it is an adaptation from a book saga, there will be a second one coming- i shall read the book before it comes out, if i have the time!

One of my friend, Shian Ee, is a KBox member and he got us a free room for karaoke from 6pm to 8pm, and we went straight after the movie. One condition was that we have to order a drink.

Sim took the photograph. Yeah, we sang!

Met another group outside KBox and took a group shot. Almost all Foundation 1 Engineering students from my uni can be seen here in Ipoh Parade!

My stomach's calling! After the voice-straining activity, we headed our way to the dinner place and met up with more friends- it was all planned for it.

We had buffet steamboat dinner. The place look rather exclusive *looks into wallet*

The setting of the place is nice. There are two sections- inside and outside. We were a group of near 20 students and it was a challenge to sit together. We sat inside then.

The decor is pleasant too. With little pots here and there and a fantastically lit area, the atmosphere is million times better than our cafe!

Makan makan! We were a noisy bunch of people and other guests seemed to be like looking at us from the corners of their eyes.

E Juan and Eddie.

Denson and Sim.

Of the many guys at the entrance.

We sang the birthday song more than once. The other guests, this time, requested the waitress to ask us to be a little quieter. Did we listen? Yes, as 'Moral' uni students!

Birthday boys, Yee Weng and Shian Ee. Happy 18th Birthday!

And the group jubilates! We dispersed ourselves and headed back to uni, for my last night in Village 6. That time, it was near midnight already.

Outing Spending:
- Car rental per person : RM 13
- Petrol/ fuel : RM 6
- Cinema ticket : RM 5
- KBox drink : RM 5
- Steamboat buffet dinner : RM 30
- Miscellaneous : RM 8

The one-day 'freedom celebration' in conjunction with the birthday celebrations totaled up to RM 67, but it was worth every cent. We certainly enjoyed ourselves, and definitely satisfied our stomach. I couldn't sleep well the last night on my bed of which i have slept for more than 4 months. I'm not sure whether it was the excitement or the pain of leaving the first semester. Indeed, it was the best day in my entire uni life so far despite the pinch in the pocket. Somewhere deep inside, there is the feeling of nostalgia.

wc08's contract for the first season is officially over and he will be back for the second, third, fourth,... seasons and until then, stayed glued for more as it's the time for holidays, and he has many more interesting posts coming up soon!

Season 1, Episode 12: Stronger ( Part 2 )

" A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song " - Maya Angelou

Exams really put us in a situation where we have to be mentally strong, constantly and throughout. After every paper, there is bound to be some questions being discussed, and what is worse is that tiny, silly careless mistake we realised after the discussion. It becomes psychologically threatening then. I faced the same situation many times, and to comfort myself, i'll just say that i did my best and i can only pray for the best in return. What is done is done. We have to be stronger. And i shall be strong enough and not be mentally, or emotionally, affected for there is still one more paper- i can't wait for it to be over!

I'm not going to write about my papers, and i don't have the desire to do so either. All i could say is that in the final exams, there is some level of difficulty. If not, what are the exams for without mind-bogging and brain-squeezing questions? Instead, this post will be on my final minutes here in this season. Indeed, season 1 is about to come to an end. With 5 papers down, i'm left with 1 more to go, and after that, i can devote myself to all the temptations i'm longing to do these past weeks!

For the past few days, i had to get myself up from bed as early as 7.45am to prepare for the exam at 9am. Life becomes slightly routine. Due to that, i don't seem to be able to differentiate much the date and the day. In simpler words, i'm lost in time! All i know and aware of is that i have exam the next day and to prepare myself for it, and of course, the day of freedom- 1 Dec!

I'll have to end the Part 2 of the closing of season 1 here and be buried between the lines of Thinking Skills notes. wc08 will be stronger, and will continue to stay strong.

My Physics 1 lecturer, Dr Mumtaj- be nice if you are marking my paper!

Season 1, Episode 11: Final's here! ( Part 1 )

" Examinations are formidable even to the best prepared, for the greatest fool may ask more than the wisest man can answer " - Charles Caleb Colton

Study. And study no more! The final examination for Sem 1 Foundation 1 is just days away. Am i prepared? I'm not too sure of myself either. Anyway, what i have revised these past few days and the days throughout my lecture weeks, i hope it is still fresh and useful when the time comes. The one week, is it sufficient? I'm, again, not too sure of myself.

I spent most of my study days back home in KL. To be honest, it's rather challenging to study back home in KL, with all the distractions and entertainment. Having said that though, it's the same if i stayed back in uni, or may be even worse. Juggling all the factors, i'd rather be back home then- and comforts the heart, wouldn't it?

Going home this time was not holiday-like. There were days where we went out, and had a dinner party. However, I had to open the books and notes, to compensate, in front of the tv. Talking about the tv, i'm seriously behind time and there are so many new and good shows to watch. I simply can't wait for my examinations to be over. Not only that, i'm also itching to touch on storybooks. Too many temptations! And too much pressure!

As a patriotic Malaysian, i was rooting for this pair to emerge the winner. Luck was not on their side at the last flight and they came out third, not bad too.


They played well and truly a deserving winner. The title goes to them! The Amazing Rae Asia 3 winners.

I was lucky to catch the finals of The Amazing Race Asia (TARA) 3. Such a waste, if not for the flight, the Malaysians may just spearheaded and become the winners.

Back in uni, it's soon the time! I'm about to enter battlefield. All i need now are polished, sharpened swords, hardened silver shield and a fit horse to be the perfect knight. wc08, is counting down the days, and it's scored now: 0 down, 6 more to go. And, ...